How to Repair the Cooling Fan of a Toshiba PC

Toshiba laptops contain a built-in cooling system. The cooling system consists of a cooling fan and heat sink. The primary function of the cooling system is to keep the laptop's processor from overheating. If the cooling fan stops working, the processor will overheat, which can cause serious damage to the motherboard. To repairing a Toshiba laptop's cooling fan, clean the fan and lubricate the fan motor.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Anti-static wrist strap

Instructions

Removing the Fan

1. Shut down the laptop. Disconnect the power cable and any external devices. Close the display panel. Place the laptop face down with the front facing toward you. Remove the battery pack from its compartment.

2. Remove all hardware devices accessible from the laptop's bottom side. Remove all remaining screws from the bottom casing.

3. Place the laptop face up. Open the display panel as far as possible. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the keyboard cover, which is a plastic strip above the keyboard's top row of keys.

4. Remove the Phillips-head screws fastening the laptop's keyboard in place. Lift up on the keyboard and place it face down on the laptop's surface. Disconnect the large ribbon cable extending from the keyboard to the motherboard. Remove the keyboard from the laptop.

5. Disconnect all cables that extend from the laptop's top, plastic cover to the motherboard. Remove all remaining Phillips-head screws fastening the top cover to the laptop's base.

6. Insert a small, flat-head screwdriver or guitar pick into the crease running along the outside edge of the top cover. Begin to pry the cover from the laptop. Work your way around the perimeter of the laptop until the top cover is completely disengaged from the laptop's base. Remove the top cover.

7. Remove the Phillips-head screws securing the cooling fan to the upper right or left corner of the motherboard. Disconnect the fan's cable from the motherboard. Remove the fan from the laptop.

Cleaning and Oiling the Fan

1. Use a clean paper towel or wash cloth to wipe the visible dust and debris from the fan. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the remaining dust and debris from between the fan's blades.

2. Position the fan with the top side facing upward. Remove the label sticker, if present. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the rubber plug out of the fan's top side. This action will reveal a hole in the center of the fan that gives you access to the fan motor's bearings.

3. Place a drop of lightweight mechanical oil into the hole revealed by the rubber plug. Repeat the fan removal procedure in reverse to reinstall the cooling fan into the laptop.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an anti-static wrist strap while dismantling the laptop to prevent electrical damage to the motherboard.

References

• Icrontic: Clean a Laptop Heat Sink
• Foner Books: Laptop Fan and Overheating